City remain locked in the race to land the Premier League title but would be three points closer had Wolves not upset them in October.
Mancini's men were beaten 2-1 at Molineux despite Emmanuel Adebayor's opening penalty. With that result in mind, City will be eager to extend an unbeaten home record against their visitors that stretches back more than a decade.
Win, and they will go ahead of bitter rivals Manchester United at the top of the table for at least 24 hours. Lose, and the title dreams looks doomed.
Chelsea Win Keeping Wolves Afloat
From rock bottom to top of the world, McCarthy's emotion would have been boosted by the surprise 1-0 victory against Chelsea last time out.
The defending champions were made second best in last week's clash, with Wolves belying their status as relegation battlers. Vitally, the result lifted them into the safe ground of 17th place.
Away to the division's big boys, Wolves have come a cropper all term. McCarthy will be keen to take the giantkilling spirit on the road and claim another shock scoreline.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City
Big money arrival Edin Dzeko is likely to get his first taste of Premier League action on Saturday.
The £27 million centre forward will hand manager Roberto Mancini options after Mario Balotelli (knee) and David Silva (knee) were ruled out of contention.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Roque Santa Cruz are also not expected to feature after the Italian confirmed earlier this week that the players were set for the exit door. Left-back Wayne Bridge has already moved to West Ham United on loan.
Joe Hart's fumble against Leicester City will not be punished with demotion to the substitute's bench.
Possible starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; De Jong, Barry; Milner, Yaya Toure, Adam Johnson; Tevez.
Wolves
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will be desperate for tough-tackling captain Karl Henry (knee) to pass a late fitness test for the trip to Eastlands.
The midfielder has been out of action for several months and will be needed to go toe-to-toe with their opponents.
Elsewhere, centre-backs Jody Craddock (thigh) and Steven Mouyokolo (back) are both out. Midfielders Michael Kightly (knee) and Adlene Guedioura (broken leg) remain sidelined.
Left-back George Elokobi is suspended after his dismissal in the FA Cup match with Doncaster Rovers.
Possible starting XI: Hennessey; Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Ward; Jarvis, Edwards, Henry, Milijas, Hunt; Doyle.
Prediction
Wolves are coming off the back of a tremendous win against Chelsea but they shouldn't expect the same result. City are steadily going through the motions and will have too much for their relegation-threatened visitors.
Man City 3-1 Wolves 
